A Harris County sheriff’s deputy faces animal cruelty charges after dropping off two emaciated horses about 5:30 p.m. July 1 at a Splendora stable known for taking in rescued animals.

A Harris County sheriff’s deputy faces animal cruelty charges after dropping off two emaciated horses about 5:30 p.m. July 1 at a Splendora stable known for taking in rescued animals.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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Contacted by Deputy Constable Dwayne Morrow, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace James Metts signs the order for Montgomery County to take possession of the horses. Read more here.

Contacted by Deputy Constable Dwayne Morrow, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace James Metts signs the order for Montgomery County to take possession of the horses. Read more here.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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Volunteers worked through the night of July 1 in an attempt to save the horses with IVs and other steps. In the end, one had to be put down.

Volunteers worked through the night of July 1 in an attempt to save the horses with IVs and other steps. In the end, one had to be put down.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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Volunteers at the Splendora stable were able to save one horse. The sheriff's deputy was put on administrative leave and faces an internal investigation by the Harris County department.

Volunteers at the Splendora stable were able to save one horse. The sheriff's deputy was put on administrative leave and faces an internal investigation by the Harris County department.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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One of the horses survived. The other had to be put down.

One of the horses survived. The other had to be put down.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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One of the horses survived. The other had to be put down.

One of the horses survived. The other had to be put down.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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Volunteers worked through the night July 1 to care for the two horses.

Volunteers worked through the night July 1 to care for the two horses.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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One horse was able to stand, but the other lay on the ground overnight at the Splendora stable.

One horse was able to stand, but the other lay on the ground overnight at the Splendora stable.

Photo: Scott Engle / Montgomery County Police Reporter

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Officers: Deputy charged after dumping pair of sick horses

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A Harris County deputy was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals and put on administrative leave after it was revealed that she dumped two ailing horses at a Splendora stable, which was known to take rescue horses, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Sheriff Monica Cooper, 54, was accused of dropping off the horses in dire condition and leaving the scene, telling the staff that "she was with Montgomery County" and had two horses to drop off.

Stable workers had to rehabilitate both animals through the night. One was severely starved and dying, and the other was in somewhat better health. The one in the worse condition had to be put down by stable staff.

Cooper has been employed by the HCSO since 1996 and was assigned to patrol.

According to HCSO spokesman Thomas Gilliland, she was the subject of an internal investigation to determine if she has violated any HCSO policies.

Cooper was arrested and charged, but she made bail. Bail was set at $1,000 for each count.